New funding to give students a taste of the craft in high schools has been announced by Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks today, with a boost to the Allan Government’s songwriting in schools program, SongMakers by APRA AMCOS.
More than 1400 students across 60 high schools in Victoria are set to learn songwriting in the classroom and connect with the music industry, helping young songwriters to develop their skills.
APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston said Australian contemporary music is fast becoming the nation’s biggest cultural export.
“At the heart of this export story is the songwriter and the intellectual property in the song.
“With this investment, Victoria is set to lead the way for the nation in growing this story of global success.”
Fans from far and wide descended on Melbourne across Friday night and the weekend as the city welcomed 14-time Grammy winning singer-songwriter Swift.
The 34-year-old started as a country music songwriter and this week performed in front of her largest ever crowds with more than 96,000 fans each night packing the iconic arena over the three consecutive nights at the MCG.
Victorian Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks, said it’s important that the Government provides the means for young songwriters to be given the encouragement they need to chase their dreams.
“As the country’s creative state we are investing in the next generation of musical talent, giving students opportunities who otherwise might not get the chance – or to paraphrase Taylor, helping to uncover something more, searching for a sound we hadn’t heard before.”
The SongMakers program also covers valuable tips for working in the music industry, music production, creative songwriting techniques and intellectual property.
Local artists and experts from within the music industry will visit schools in person to teach Victorian students the art and help them tap into their own musical talents.
In-person workshops will be available for students in years 10 to 12 in partnership with Virtual School Victoria and regional students will be offered the chance to participate in a songwriting school holiday program.
Minister for Tourism, Sport, Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, said The Eras Tour has provided the state with a welcome lift.
“Melbourne is Taylor-made to host major events like this, which provide a significant boost to our economy and capture the imagination all Victorians – everyone was a Swiftie on the weekend.”
A pilot program, tailored to schools offering flexible learning, will ensure all students get the opportunity to try the craft.
Standout songwriters will be given the chance to produce and perform their own original songs under the guidance of mentors and music industry organisations The Push and Music Victoria.
SongMakers is open to all Victorian secondary schools – those wishing to participate can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) here.
